Employee Spotlight: Get to know Karl Carson, General Manager of Operations
Leading Operations with Vision, Dedication, and Team Excellence.
What is your job title?
My title is General Manager of Operations.
What does your job entail?
I oversee all aspects of Complete Track Works and Highland Excavating.
When did you start with the company?
I started here in November of 2020.
How did you find out about the job?
I saw a posting on the NPRS webpage and I thought it would be a good fit for me.
Why did you want it?
I had recently left working for a railroad, and I wanted to get back into the industry, and when I saw the posting I thought it would be a good way to do that.
Could you tell us a little more about why you ended up choosing a railroading career?
I went to school to be a mechanic, and soon realized it was not something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I was really into cars while growing up, and spent a lot of time working on them, and I guess it was kind of a “when your hobbies become work, they aren’t as fun anymore” situation. My brother-in-law had an interview [with NPRS] that he wasn’t able to attend, so I took his place, and they allowed it. I got the job, and it was and is still sometimes a tough life, but after that first year, and when you obtain a little seniority, it becomes hard to give up. I’ve always enjoyed being a railroader, and the longer I stayed, the more appealing the retirement and stability became.
We know you worked for BNSF previously. Could you tell us a little more about that experience and what you did there?
I spent the entirety of my time with BNSF in the Engineering (track) department. I worked any and every job possible within that department across the upper Midwest. I was promoted to a supervisor in the early 2000s and began chasing promotions in the supervisory side until I left in 2015. I had many great experiences there, traveled to a lot of places, and worked with many great people.
What are you most excited about for your future with the company?
I am excited about being a part of such a high-performing team and its continued growth.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy working with my team members.
What does your average day look like?
From the start of the day to the end, I spend a lot of time on the phone, helping guide others and solve problems.
Where are you from? What is your hometown?
I’m from Minot, ND. I was born in Minot, moved to California for a bit, and then moved back in time to graduate high school there. I had and still have good friends who live there, as well as family, and our family farm is 20 miles south of town.
What do you enjoy doing away from work?
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with family. My wife and I have been married for 33 years, and we have three grown children—two boys and a girl. We also have three grandchildren, and were recently told that we can expect another sometime in January 2026. In the winter, we get together a lot for family meals and holidays. In the summer, we try to camp as much as possible and have the kids come and join us when they can. In any time that’s left, I am also currently learning to fish!
Do you have any great memories from your time here?
It has honestly all been good so far, and I look forward to continued good things for all in the coming years.
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